Endless runner for motor trucks



E. M. PERRY Y ENDLESS RUNNER FOR MOTOR TRUCKS Nov. 17, 1925.

Fil-ed March 2, 1920 11 sheets-sheet 1 Nov. 17 1925. 1,561,996

E. M. PERRY ENDLEss RUNNER Fon MoToR .TRUCKS Filed Maron 2, 1920 11 sheets-sheet 2 o `g U Q IO E I A vwewboz ZQP Nov. 17, l925 E. M..PERRY ENDLESS RUNNER FOR MOTOR TRUCKS Filed March 2, 1920 11 Sheets-Sheet 3 4 t n t my w w, w Y M V6 m n r l 5.. n no 1... mv www w, n m M. m m S ...r m uw uw MS wm Il T. l v k\.,., l l m Tax a4 www am MJ\\ IN o u@ ww Sw k @J mi, N MK NK* NJN Nov. 17 1925.

- E. M. PERRY ENDLEss RUNNER FOR MoToR :mucus Filed March 2, 1920 11 Sheets-Sheet 5 m Y E,

E. M. PERRY ENDLESS RUNNERy FOR MOTOR TRUCKS Nov. 17, l925 Filed March 2, 1920v 11 Sheets-Sheet 6 Nov. 17, 1925. E. M. PERRY ENDLESS RUNNERFOR MOTOR TRUCKS 11 Sheets-Sheet 7 Filed March 2, 1920 l Snom/vbo@ E. MP6 -r' 74 Ya Q60?,

Nov. 17, 1925. memse- E. M. PERRY ENDLEss RUNNER non M oToR TRuciKsfv f Fiied March 2, ;92o 1 11 sheets-sheet e Nov. 17, 1925.

E. M. PERRY EDLESS RUNNER FOR MOTOR TRUCKS 11 sheets-sheet 1o Filed Marchv 2, 19.20

@Womad E. M. PERRY ENDLESS RUNNER FOR MOTOR TRUCKS Nov. 17 1925.

11 Sheets-Sheet 11 Filed March 2. 1920 Patented Nev. 17, 1925.

unirse STATES PATENT oFFicE..

ELDIN M. PERRY, F 1WASHINGT'ON, DISTRCT OF COLUMBIA.

ENDLESS RUNNER FOR VIOR TRUCKS.

Appucauon med 2, 1920. Serial No. 362,641.

T0 all whom t may concern.' e

Be it known that I, ELDIN M. PERRY, a citizen of the United States, and a. resident of Washington, in the District of Columbia, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Endless Runners for Motor Trucks, of which the following is a specification.

My invention is an improvement in tractors of the endless runners type, and has for its object to provide a device of the character specified adapted for use with motor cars of every character, wherein a new and improved form of runner is provided, and a new and improved support therefor.

ln the drawings:

Figure 1 is a side view of one of the improved runners, and its supporting mechamsm;

Figure 2 is a section o-n the line 2-2 of Figure 1';

Figure 3 is a partial side view of the runner and its trackway, with parts removed and parts in section;

Figure 4 is a. section on the line 4 4; of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a perspective View of a portion of thetrack, with one of the rollers and the f spacer; l

Figure 6 is a` perspective view of one of the tread blocks;

Figure 7 is a similar view of one of the tread plates; f

Figure 8 is a partial section through a 'modified form of runner;

Figure 9 is a section on the line 9 9 of Figure S;

Figure 10 is aside view of the track and its supporting frame;

Figure 11 is a section on the line 11 11 of Figure 10;

Figure 12 is a perspective view of one of the covers looking from the inner side;

Figure 13 is a side view of a modified construction of track and frame;

Figure 11i is a. side view, lwith parts in section, showing a method of lubricating:

Figure 15 is a partial side view of another embodiment of the invention, with parts in section;

Figure 16 is a section on the line 16-16 of Figure 15; y y

Figure l? is a side view, with parts broken ewan of ,another embodiment @t the invention: Y

Figure 18 is a section on the line 18-1S' of Figure 17;

` Figure 19 isa transverse section of the cushioning construction; l

Figure 2O is a view similar to Figure 17,

showing another embodiment 'of the inve'n` tion;

Figure 21 is a sect-ion ont-he line 21-21 of Figure n Figure 22 is a view similar to Figure 1i) of another 'embodiment of the invention;

Figure 23 is a section on the line 2-23 ofv Figure 22;

Figure 211 is a partial perspective view of the pneumatic shoe;

Figure 25 is a plan view of the tread block, showing a form of tread or anti-skid chain;

Figure 2G is a similar View showing another vform of chain.

In the embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 1 to 7, inclusive, thel trackway consists of similar sections or what may be termed rails 1, each of which is a continuous oblong or substantially elliptical structure, and these sections are connected to hubs 2 by means of spokes or frame members 3,- to suitably connect the tracks or rails to the hubs and to brace hubs and track section against each other.

Shafts 4: and 4a are journaled inthe hubs, Y

- in the usual manner, the housing being connectedV to the truck frame in the usual manner, and sprocket wheels 5 are secured to the shafts 4@ and la between the track sections. These wheels are connected by a chain G which is provided with outwardly facing teeth 7 which engage with the endless runner mounted upon the trucks, to drive the said runner. It will be understood that a runner is arranged at-each side of the rear of the vehicle 8 and that the motive power of the vehicle is applied to the shaft or axle 4t.

Veferring to Figure 4, it will be notice; that the outer faces or peripheral surfaces of the tracks 1 are grooved. as indicated at 9.

ice

and a series of rollers 10 runs upon each the adjacent rollers of eac-h track, the spacers moving in the grooves 9 and being moved with the rollers. rlhe rollers are prevented trom leaving,` the tracks by means of inner and outer retainers or housings 13 and let. Referring to Figure il, it will be noticed that each retainer has an inwardly extending,l lange at its peripheral edge which engages over the adjacent journal pins. A ring l5 is secured to each retainer ist. and is extended beyond the peripheral edge ot the said retaineiI tor a purpose to be presently described.

The retainers are secured to the tracks in any suitable or desired manner, and they act as housings, to prevent the ent-rance ot dust at the journal pins.

The improved runner is composed ot a series ot tread plates 16 which are hinged together at their adjacent side edges, and each tread plate carries a tread block 17 ot rubber or other suitable material. Each tread plate is provided on the tace adjacent to the tracks l with a pair oi longitudinally extending' ribs 1S, and these ribs 18 engage inside the wheels l0, thus preventing' lateral displacement oll the endless runner from the wheels. The plates lG are hinged together with a rule joint connection, so that they cannot swine` at the joint inwardly beyond a position where they are in alinement1 but may swing at the joint treely outwardly, as shown more particularly in Figure 3.

rlhe hinged lugs are indicated at 19 and 2() in Figure 7, and suitable pintle pins Qi are passed through the lues. rllhe endless chain or runner is driven from the chain 6, teeth beine' secured to the inner 'faces ot the tread plat-es by means ot bolts and nuts 23. The under faces ot the tread blocks li are recessed to receive the ends ot the bolts. A. tooth is secured to each tread plate at the center thereof,A and, referring' to Figure l, .it will be noticed that the teeth 7 are secured to the chain G in sets ot two. Thus the teeth 22 engage between the sets ot two on the chain.

Referring' to Figure 6, it will be noticed that the tread blocks have grooves 25 and 26 in their side and end faces, the said grooves being); continuous with the ,grooves 26, and by means ot these e'rooves housing;` .covers 27 ot flexible material, as, tor instance, cloth or leather, are connected with merece tions of the plates 28 which lit within the grooves 25. rlhe clampingl rings clamp the hoods or covers, and the said hoods or cov ers are loose-enough between the clamps ol' the adjacent blocks to permit. tree movement ot the blocks with respect to each other' in order that they may take the position shown at the right ot Figure 3. Each of the rings l5 be'i'ore mentioned has secured t0 the inner t ce thereof a strip 30 of leather or like material, and the inner faces oit the said lstrips move against the outer laces ot the housing' plates Q8, as shown in Figure d, to seal the space between the runner and rails.

ln the enibodinient oit the invention shown in Figures 8 and 9, the track 3l is of usual consti' ctiony and the tread is composed ot' blocks 232, oi wood or the like, which are raced with treads 233 et resilient material, as, 'for instance, rubber. l'ach ot the blocks is notched at its ends, as indicated at Sil, to receive radial arms 35 on a sleeve 36 which is mounted upon a shaiit 3'? and is supported from the shatt by ball bearings, indicated at 38. The shaft has nrooved wheels 39 at its ends, and these wheels run on the tracks 3l, the said tracks having` continuous ribs l() tor engaging the grooves oi" the rollers'. The radial arms 225 are arranged in sets, the men;Y ot the sels evctei'idingiin opposite direcn tions, and in the present instance there are three arms in each set. 'these arms extend into the notches 3ft and are pivoted to the blocks by pivot pins 4l.

lfleterrine' to Figure 9, it will be noticed that each pivot pin is engaged eyes 4Q, on the ends ot the rods 31.3. Each ot these rods is curved, and it will be noticed that the two rods at each end ot' each shaft 37 are arranged with their concave faces away troni e; h other. it their tops the rods have in ardly extending' lugs, and these lugs are blo and correspond to the grooves 25--26 ot t i. 'the hoods or covers are also held in place by housing plates :t9 secured to the side faces of the blocks by means ot screws, as shown, or in any other suitable or desired manner.

'llhe elements and y-l-l forni a support for the 'flexible covers l5 to prevent such covers troni collapsini;- when they are not under tension.

Referring to Figure S, it will be noticed that the blocks are concave on their inner faces, as indi at 5G, permit them to a pass the roundel corneJs ot the tracks, as

lit)

shown, and the improved runner may be driven in any suitable or desired manner.

In Figures 10 to 12 is shown the supporting` frame for the tractor, consisting of the hubs, the tracks and the spokes, together with the cover or housing plate 51 for covering and protecting the open supporting frame. Referring to Figure 10 it will be noticed that the spokes 3 have openings 52 at suitable points, which are adapted to be engaged by hooks or catches 53 on the covers or housing plates 51. These covers or housing plates have secured to their edges strips 54: of leather or like material, and these strips are clamped between the housing plates and the tracks 1 and spokes 3.

Referring to Figure 11, it will be noticed that the strip 54 extends beyond the housing plate, lapping well beyond the peripheral surface of the track. Y

In Figure 18 is shown a modified construction of frame. This frame comprises a hub 55, track sections 56, which are split sections, and are |connected to the hubs by spokes 57. In this construction the spokes are preferably neither integral with the track sections nor with the hubs, being connected to both by rivets, bolts or thek like, as shown.

riChe driving shaft or axle 5S is journaled in the hub 55, a ball bearing being arranged between thehub and the shaft, and the traction wheel 59 is secured to the axle. The improved runner (not shown) runs upon the track 56, and it will be noticed that at the` splt one end of each section has an inclined or angular inwardly extendinfr portion 60, and the other end of the section is beveled, as indicated at 61, to slide thereon. An eX- panding screw 62 provided with a lock nut is arranged between the ends of each section, and will be obvious that by means'of the nut the ends may .be forced apart or drawn together to provide suitable tension for the runner.

ln Figure 141 is shown a methodl of lubri? eating the runner or tread chain and the driving chain on both faces. In this arrangement, the supporting` frame 63 is of usual construction, and supports the runner or tread chain 64A in the usual manner' This runner is driven by teeth 65 on a sprocketchain 56 which runs n )on tli v l l 6' 1 lcwiees (se.

cured to the sha ts G8 and 681. A suitable container 69 is provided for lubricant at the front end of the frame and near the top thereof, and this container has an outlet pipev 70 extending along .its bottom and opening through the frameI to a point where it will lubrfcate the rollers of the runner.

A pipe 71 ext-ends upward froin the inner end of the pipe 7.0, and a valve seat is arranged between this pipe 71 and the pipe '20. A valve 72 co-operates with the seat, and the pipe 71 has radial openings above the seat to permit the lubricant to flow into the pipe 71 and through the seat. A stem 73 is connected with the valve, and a spring 74 is arranged about the stem, between the pipe and a cap 75 secured to the upper end of the stein and mounted to slide in the pipe.

Rollers 76 are journaled in brackets 77 connected with the runner, and these brackets and rollers are arranged at regular intervals, and the rollers are adapted to contact with the cap, to open the valve at predetermined intervals, to permit a portion of the lubricant to flow to the runner. It will be noticed that the pipe 70 has branches delivering to the wheels, and to the journal pins, thus lubricating every part of the runner and the face of the track which it engages.

A stick of graphite ed to slide in a socket 7 9 arranged above the lower run of the chain 66, and the outer end of this stick is forced into contact with the inner face of the chain by means of a coil Spring 8O which is arranged between the inner end and the bottom of the socket. Thus the inner face of the sprocket 10 and that part which engages the-wheels 67 is lubri- Fory lubricating the teeth 65, the' cated. shaft 81 is journaled in asupporting bracket 82 at the 4rear of the rearniostwheel 67. This shaft has pairs of radial arms 83, and in each pair of arms is journaled a roller 84 of graphite or like'material. AThese rollers are adapted kto engage between the teeth'of. the chain, as shown, and the arms are rotatedY by the engagement of the teeth with the rollers.v

In Figures 15 and 16 is shown another embodiment of the invention, wherein the tracks 85 are of usual form, and the runner is composed of tread plates SG carryingl tread blocks 87. plate there is a pair of depending lugs 88 and 89., respectively, and the wheels 90 are secured to a shaft 91 which extends through the lugs 89 and is journaled in both lugs 8S) and 83; Ball bearings 92 ai'e arranged between each lug and the shaft. It will benoticed that while the lugs 88 are integral with the plates, the lugs 89 are detachably connected therewith. The improved driving;`

78 or the like is inount At each end of each tread chain. 93 has teeth 9st on its outer face, and

these teeth engage bushings 95 on the shaft 91 between thelugs Si?.

InA Figures 17 and 18 is shown a cushion-y ing construction. Here the driving wheel 96 is secured to the axle 97, which is jourv naled in the frame 98, consisting of inner and outer sections, ball bearings being provided for the shaft.

continuous hollow casings having at their yperipheral surfaces the contour ofthe traclri This frame carries al casing 99 on each section, the casings heini.;`

no `lined peripheral Wall, the viall being supplied byia track plate 100. This track plate, Which is shaped like the peripheral face ot the rail shown in Figure 1, that is, grooved longitudinally, has inufardly eX- tending side flanges, which .lit the inner faces ot' the side walls ot the casing. Cushions 101 ot rubber or like resilient material, are arranged Within the casings between the movable Wall and the fixed bottom or inner Wall ot the casing. This cushion is continuons, and it will be evident that it will cushion the hub against the runner. The runner is composed ot tread plates 102 having tread blocks 103, and having ribs 104e on the inner iaces near their side edges. The rollers 105 are similar to those shown in Figure 1, and they are on the outer sides of the ribs. Housing rings 106 are secured to the outer Walls ot the casings 99 and adapted to bear against the outer side edges of the tread plates and the outer faces ot the housings 107 corresponding to the housings 25 ot Figure It will be noted that the outer walls oli the casings 99 are extended beyond the inner Walls, in order that with the rings 100 they may house the rollers and the track.

Referring to Figure 18, it Will be seen that the cushions 101 are concave at their opposite faces to provide additional resiliency, that is, these cushions do not entirely till the casing, the concave faces of the cushions permitting expansion and contraction.

In Figure 19 a 'form of cushion is shown, the said cushion 108 being designed to lill the casing 99, but having transverse openings 109 to provide resiliency.

In Figures 20 and 21 is shown another embodiment ot the invention. In this construction the frame 110 corresponding to the frame 98 ot Figures 17 and 18 is sectional, each section carrying a casing 111 similar to the casings 99 ol' Figures 17 and 18. rFhe track plate 112 is arranged in the same manner as the track plate 100, but instead ot having a groove as in the construction o'l' Figures 18 and 19, the said plate has a rib, and the tread plates 113 carry grooved Wheels 11st which engage the ribs. '.llhese wheels are journaled in lugs 115 which extend inwardly 'from the track plates. 'lfhe construction is otherwise similar to that el Figures 18 and 19, the driving Wheel 110 being secured to the axle 117 which is journaled in ball. bearings in the hub portions ot the frame sections.

1n Figures 22 to 2st, inclusive, is shown a pneumatic construct-ion. ln this construc tion the frame 118 carries a continuous annular casing or chamber 119 which is open at its peripheral Wall, the said peripheral Wall being replaced by a track plate 120. Thistrack plate is slidable between the side walls or the chamber, and a pneumatic shoe or casing 121 is arranged Within the chamber. It will be noticed, referring especially to Figures 23 and 2d, that this track plate 120 is ribbed on its outer tace, the rib extending longitudinally ot the track plate. r1`he runner is composed ot tread plates 122 and cushioning blocks 123, and the tread plates more upon annularly grooved rollers 12d. rlhese rollers are. grooved to tit the rib 125 of the `track plate, and the tread plates 122 have ribs 120 which also lit the grooves oit' the rollers. The pneumatic shoe has the usual filling valve 127. lvVith this construction the shock and jar is absorbed by the pneumatic cushion.

1n Figure 25 is shown an arrangement of anti-skid mechanism. 1n this construction the tread plates 128 have central openings through which are passed bolts 129. Each bolt carries a ring 130 which is connected to the head ot the bolt by flexible members 131, chains in the present instance. rlhe chains hold the ring` in proper relation with respect to the bolts, and the rings and chain and the bolt head are an ellective anti-skid device.

1n Figure 26 the tread blocks 132 have the central openings for receiving bolts 133, and these bolts support a chain 134 which extends entirely around the runner.

rlhe operation of all of the dilicerent enibodiments is practically the same, and will be clear from the description ot the construction. The runners or tread chains run upon the tracks, tWo track sections being provided for each runner. rllhe runners are driven by the teeth of the sprocket chains in Figures 1, 3, 8, 1t and 15 and by the large Wheels in Figures 13, 17, 20 and 22, and the sprocket chains or Wheel as the case may be may be driven from the motor of the vehicle. 1n the construction of Figures 1-131ll any suitable cushioning mechanism may be provided at the hub. 1n the remaining constructions the cushioning means is adjacent to the rim.

Referring to Figure lll, it will be seen that a pad a ot itelt or the like is arranged on the supporting traine (i3 just below the outlet pipe 70 ot the lubricant container, for receiving the lubricant and insuring'l that it will be thoroughly applied to the Wheels.

1t will be understood that the de ice torniing the subject matter ot the present invention is designed to take the place of the motor truck wheels oi' usual construction. rFhe construction shown in Figures 1 to 16 is designed tor motor trucks; that shown in Figures 17 to 21 is designed for automobiles and light trucks; While that Vshovvn in Figures 22 to @i is especially designed for aerial vehicles.

`1n Figure 13 it will be noticed that there is a shock absorbing mechanism provided in the form ot a ring or washer a ot rubber or the li ze, which is arranged between the axle 58 and the hub 55 of the frame, to cushion and absorb shock and jar between the traine and the axle 58. The wheel 59 in Figure 13 is an ordinary traction wheel.

It will be understood that the improved runner is designed to take the place of motor vehicle wheels or to go over motor vehicle wheels for obtaining better traction, to prevent slipping and skidding. The weight, it will be observed, is centered on the rear halt et the wheel, allowing the front portion to freely rise and fall with the level oit the road, and it is especiallyv designed to move heavy loads over bad roads. rlhe improved runner will permit aeroplanes to land or to lift on sott uneven ground.

I claim:

LA runner for motor vehicles comprising a supporting frame, rails carried thereby, supporting' members for said rails made ot rubber and having the sidesl thereof concaved, a flexible endless chain or runner movably mounted on the rails, and rollers interposed between the rails and runners.

2. A ruimer for motor vehicles comprising a supporting frame, rails carried thereby, supporting members for said rails made of rubber, a flexible endless chain or runner movably mounted on the rails, and rollers interposed between the rails and runners.

3. A runner for motor vehicles comprising a supporting frame, rails carried thereby forming a loop and being resiliently supported on the frame, a flexible endless chain or runner movably mounted on the rails for travel around the loop androllers interposed between the rails and the runners.

4. A runner for motor vehicles comprising' an endless chain type runner operatively supported on a grooved track, loose rollers between the track and the runner, and spacing blocks lying loosely between therollers, said blocks being slidably supported in the groove of the track.

5. A runner for motor vehicles comprising an endless chain type runner operatively supported on a grooved track, loose rollers between the track and the ruimer, and spacing blocks lying loosely between the rollers, said blocks being slidably supported in the groove of the track, and having concave portions in contact with therail.

6,. A runner for a motor vehicle comprising `a supporting Vtraine with an endless chain ot tread plates adapted to travel thereover, a driving wheel positioned within the frame in peripheralv driving contact with the plates, and means to insure a resilient peripheral contact of the wheel with the plates. Y

7. In a vehicle, a frame, a pairv of rails encircling said frame and secured thereto, an endless runnersupported upon said rails and adapted to move thereon, resilient members for supporting said rails, an axle having its one end journaled in said frame, a wheel carried by said axle and the periphery of said lwheel adapted to engage with said endless runner.

ELDIN M. PERRY. 

